If you’re craving comfort food with zero fuss, you’re going to adore this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and downright cozy—plus, it practically makes itself while you get on with your day. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and once you try it, it’ll quickly become a family favorite in your house too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in your crock pot and walk away—no stirring or babysitting needed.
- Incredible Creamy Flavor: The Alfredo sauce partners perfectly with tender chicken and pasta for a rich, satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish—it’s simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough for guests.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap cheeses or add veggies to suit your tastes or what’s on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe plays a big role in creating a hearty, creamy one-pot wonder. Grab quality Alfredo sauce and good cheese for the best flavor, and don’t skip the garlic—it really brings everything together.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Use cooked, shredded chicken for easy layering and even flavor throughout.
- Alfredo sauce: I love using Bertoli brand for its rich, authentic taste that blends beautifully with the pasta.
- Water: Adds moisture so the pasta cooks perfectly in the crock pot without drying out.
- Minced garlic: A little garlic packs a punch, making the whole dish irresistible.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the creamy Alfredo sauce and chicken.
- Penne pasta: Use uncooked penne—the crock pot cooks it right in the sauce, saving you a step!
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, giving gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick to round out the flavor.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle on top just before serving adds color and a hint of brightness.
Variations
I love making this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe my own by swapping out ingredients when I want to switch things up or adapt to what I have in the fridge. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Add Veggies: I often add chopped spinach or steamed broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition—my family hardly notices because it blends so well!
- Spicy Kick: Tried stirring in a bit of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning one time, and it gave the dish a fun, spicy twist we all loved.
- Dairy-Free Version: For friends with dietary restrictions, swapping Alfredo for a dairy-free sauce and using dairy-free cheese works surprisingly well.
- Different Cheeses: Parmesan and mozzarella are our go-tos, but mixing in fontina or provolone gives it a nice depth of flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Sauce Mixture
Start by mixing your Alfredo sauce, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This creates the flavorful base that will soak into the pasta and chicken. I like to whisk it together well so the seasonings are evenly distributed—trust me, every bite deserves it!
Step 2: Mix in the Penne Pasta
Next, stir in the uncooked penne pasta to coat each piece with the creamy sauce. This ensures the pasta cooks perfectly in the Crock Pot without drying out, and it soaks up all that cheesy flavor while simmering. Don’t skip this step or you’ll end up with some dry noodles here and there.
Step 3: Layer It Up in the Crock Pot
Spray your 6-quart crock pot with non-stick spray to make cleanup easier. Then layer half of the Alfredo pasta mixture on the bottom, followed by half the shredded chicken. Sprinkle on 1 cup of mozzarella and about 1/8 cup parmesan cheese over the chicken. Repeat the layers—pasta mixture, chicken, mozzarella, and parmesan—until all ingredients are used.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Put the lid on and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours. This slow heat lets the pasta soften perfectly and flavors meld beautifully. I always keep the lid on tight to trap that steam—lifting it too often will lengthen cooking time and dry the dish out.
Step 5: Finish with Extra Cheese and Parsley
Once the cooking time’s up, remove the lid and sprinkle the final cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Pop the lid back on just long enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible topping. I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a dash of color and a little freshness before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
- Use Shredded Pre-Cooked Chicken: To save time, I use store-bought rotisserie chicken—no need to cook chicken from scratch.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your crock pot model’s heat intensity since pasta can go from perfectly tender to mushy quickly.
- Add Liquid if Needed: If your sauce looks too thick halfway through cooking, carefully add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep things creamy.
- Avoid Stirring Mid-Cook: Resist the urge to stir while it cooks—you want the layers to set nicely and the pasta to cook evenly.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it adds a lovely pop of green and a little freshness that really cuts through the richness of the cheese. Sometimes, I also like to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
To balance the creamy casserole, I usually pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—because who wants to waste even a drop?
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. It also looks beautiful baked in a clear glass crock pot insert so your guests can admire those gooey layers before diving in. Plus, it’s great for potluck tables when you want to share the love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and reheating portions in the microwave or oven works wonderfully without losing creaminess.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this casserole freezes pretty well before baking. Just assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and then cook as instructed, adding a little extra time if needed.
Reheating
I usually reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. This helps retain the creamy texture better than the microwave for bigger portions, but the microwave is great for quick single servings.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta in this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can swap in other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different pasta shapes may cook a little faster or slower.
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Do I have to cook the chicken before adding it?
For best texture and to avoid dry chicken, I recommend using pre-cooked, shredded chicken. You can quickly poach, bake, or use rotisserie chicken from the store. Adding raw chicken could cause uneven cooking or dryness.
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What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce on hand?
You can make a quick homemade Alfredo sauce using butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. Alternatively, some good quality jarred Alfredo sauces work just fine—just be sure it’s a creamy version, not a watery one.
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Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes, you can double ingredients, but you’ll need a larger crock pot or to divide it into two batches. Also, cooking times may increase slightly, so check pasta tenderness before serving.
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How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try using whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein, swap half-and-half for heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce, and add plenty of steamed vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe truly feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I love how easy it is to prep, and the way it fills the kitchen with comforting cheesy aroma is unbeatable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is one of those winners that never disappoints. So, grab your slow cooker and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 180 min
- Total Time: 185 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and comforting Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, penne pasta cooked perfectly in a rich Alfredo sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and serves a family-friendly dish packed with flavor and creamy goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
Sauce Mixture
- 2 (15 oz) jars Alfredo sauce (Bertoli brand recommended)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 16 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Alfredo Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, water, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until well mixed, then add the uncooked penne pasta and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart crock pot with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the Casserole – First Layer: Place half of the penne and Alfredo mixture into the bottom of the crock pot, spreading it out evenly. Then distribute half of the shredded chicken breast over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/8 cup of parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken layer.
- Layer the Casserole – Second Layer: Add the remaining penne mixed with Alfredo sauce on top of the cheese. Spread the rest of the shredded chicken evenly over this layer, then top with another cup of mozzarella cheese and the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on the low setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Check that the pasta is tender and the dish is heated through.
- Final Cheese Topping: Remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo casserole straight from the crock pot.
Notes
- This easy crock pot chicken Alfredo casserole is incredibly flavorful and convenient for busy days—prep in minutes and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Using uncooked pasta in the crock pot saves time and keeps the dish creamy by cooking it right in the sauce.
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- You can swap chicken breasts for rotisserie chicken to skip the cooking step and save time.
- Be careful not to overcook beyond the recommended time to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 786 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1831 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 176 mg